Reviewing a Mahjong game is kinda like reviewing a solitare game. I mean, it's a board/card game that's doesn't really leave much room for interpretation. It either works or it doesn't, ya know?

Luckily, Mahjong Escape: Ancient China from Popcap games just works. I've always enjoyed Mahjong solitare and have had a version of the game on my computers for years now. I find it to be an interesting break from the standard solitare games and it's one of those "easy to understand, difficult to master" types of games.

It sports some pretty nice visuals and has a "campaign" mode that at least gives you an ending to shoot for. You work through various tile layouts and upon clearing two gold tiles you beat the level, moving on to the next one. They added a layer of Chinese appearances and gives you a little nugget of Chinese wisdom with each level cleared. As you progress you move through each of the Chinese dynasties. I'm pretty sure that really only applies to the background, but whatever, it's something right?

Honestly there's really no way you can force a "campaign" mode here, it's just Mahjong solitare. I'm glad there's something more than just a standalone game here, and for the time being it's interesting enough to keep me playing. But push comes to shove it's just a way to keep you dealing and re-dealing hands of solitaire. I'm not saying that like it's a bad thing mind you. There are some minor differences between the campaign and classic mode, mostly involving a few different tiles that can perform bonuses like unlocking certain tiles.

While it boasts 175 levels to play though, at $20 it feels a little expensive. At that price it's not an impulse buy by any stretch, but if you're in the market for a Mahjong game, Mahjong Escape: Ancient China can't be beat. Popcap always seems to know how to make their games addictive as crack, and while this is no Peggle.... it ain't bad.

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